How much A$AP Rocky was set to buy Tranmere Rovers for amid takeover talk | OneFootball

The American rapper is reportedly involved in a consortium attempting to purchase the Birkenhead side

American rapper A$AP Rocky is reported to be part of a high-profile consortium aiming to purchase an 80% stake in Tranmere Rovers.

The potential sale - led by prominent lawyer and football investor Joe Tacopina - is expected to conclude ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to updates provided by the League Two club’s current ownership.

Rovers are currently owned by former Football Association chief executive Mark Palios, and wife Nicola Palios.

A$AP Rocky part of £15 million bid for Tranmere Rovers

Rakim Athelaston Mayers, professionally known as A$AP Rocky, is understood to be involved in a consortium set to acquire a controlling 80% share in Tranmere Rovers for a reported £15 million.

The group is fronted by Joe Tacopina, the high-profile American attorney who has previously held executive roles at several Italian clubs including AS Roma, Bologna, Venezia, and SPAL, and has represented US president Donald Trump in his legal career.

The potential deal was first confirmed through an exclusivity agreement signed in April 2024, as disclosed in Tranmere’s latest financial accounts. The documents indicated that while the sale was originally targeted for completion ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, delays have meant that a final agreement is now expected before the start of the 2025/26 season.

The Indonesian-owned Santini Group, which currently holds a minority stake in the League Two side, is expected to retain its shareholding under the new ownership structure.

When the Tranmere takeover by A$AP Rocky's group may be completed

While the consortium has yet to finalise the purchase, confidence remains high that a deal will be struck before the beginning of the 2025/26 season.

Palios, speaking on behalf of the club’s board, stated in the accounts: “It has not been possible to complete the sale process. However, the Directors anticipate that a sale will be completed ahead of the 25/26 season.”

Earlier hints about the takeover emerged in October 2023, when Palios gave a coy response during an interview with Sky Sports, saying he hoped a deal would be concluded “ASAP”.

Tacopina, a seasoned football investor, has attended multiple Tranmere matches. Though Palios stopped short of directly confirming A$AP Rocky’s involvement at the time, he acknowledged the rapper’s widespread popularity, saying: “I’m told he’s very well regarded.”

The development aligns with a growing trend of US celebrity investment in English football. Figures such as Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Tom Brady, and JJ Watt have taken stakes in clubs across the EFL and Premier League in recent years.

Tranmere, currently sitting in the lower ranks of League Two, have fluctuated between divisions since the Palios family took ownership in 2014. The addition of high-profile investors such as Tacopina and A$AP Rocky could provide a new commercial and sporting chapter for the club.